Gouache for Beginners Simple, Stunning & Realistic Projects

by Birch, Kate Jarvik

• ISBN13: 9780760393482
• ISBN10: 0760393486
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780760393499
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2025-06-03
• Publisher: Walter Foster Publishing
• More Book Details

Summary

Curious about gouache but unsure where to start? Learn all the essentials of this versatile medium with this fresh and inspiring guide.

Gouache is a water-based paint that dries to a matte, opaque finish. Long used by illustrators, gouache is gaining popularity with artists of all styles and interests. Whether you’re a budding artist eager to explore painting or a more experienced artist looking to add gouache to your painting toolkit, Gouache for Beginners by Kate Jarvik Birch is your gateway to a world of vibrant creativity. 

This book is tailored for anyone intrigued by the rich, opaque qualities of gouache paint, offering step-by-step projects that are accessible and enjoyable. From everyday subjects like colorful food and household objects to expansive landscapes and delicate flowers, Kate guides you through each painting with clear instructions and encouraging tips. An overview of gouache covers everything you need to begin, including choosing the right tools and supplies, mixing colors, and basic gouache techniques.

Gouache for Beginners emphasizes realistic artistry with a fresh, contemporary style that focuses on the beauty of ordinary scenes and natural landscapes. The easy-to-follow projects explore a wide variety of subjects and demonstrate a range of skills, including:

• Painting landscapes
• Depicting transparency
• Capturing subtle color variations
• Painting reflections
• Rendering fine lines and details

By delving into the unique qualities of gouache, you’ll discover a medium that allows for bold expressions and nuanced details that unlock your artistic potential. Whether you aspire to create realistic artwork or simply want to add a splash of color to your surroundings, this book equips you with the skills and confidence to get started!

Author Biography

Kate Jarvik Birch is a full-time artist and writer living in Salt Lake City, Utah. She’s the author of three YA novels, and she offers online painting classes and sells her original art and calendars on her website. Her art has been sold in American big-box stores, as well as featured in television series. Find her online at katebirchart.com and as @kebirch on her social media channels.

Table of Contents

Introduction
My Story
What Is Gouache? 

ONE Tools & Materials
Paint 
Palettes 
Brushes 
Paper 
Miscellaneous Supplies 
Setting Up Your Workspace 

TWO Getting to Know Gouache
Opacity & Viscosity 
Applying Paint 

THREE Color Basics
The Color Wheel 
Helpful Terms 
Value 

FOUR Drawing Tips
Shapes 
Proportions 
Contour 

FIVE The Projects
Painting Subtle Colors 
Match Flame
Painting Lettering 
Ace of Hearts
Painting Texture with Highlights 
Strawberry
Painting Transparency 
Candy with Cellophane Wrapper
Painting Convex & Concave Shapes 
Fried Egg
Painting Color Gradation 
Fall Leaf
Painting Metallic Surfaces 
Spoon
Painting Atmospheric Perspective 
Landscape
Painting Translucent Items 
Painting Shiny Objects 
Balloon
Painting Different Textures 
Orange
Painting Botanicals Flower 
Flower
About the Author
Index